Thursday, 22 September 2016

Phew! But have we become a one man show?

In some respects one could say that a visit from League Two minnows looking to pull off a giant-killing was the last thing that the Hammers needed just now. On the back of four straight defeats and with the defence in chaos, Accrington Stanley must've been fancying their chances. SuperSlav selected a pretty strong starting XI and wisely, included some big guns on the bench just in case things got messy. And so it was, as Accrington relished the big stadium atmosphere and gave an excellent account of themselves - well organised defensively and with some decent attacking moves. At half time Slav decided to up the ante and released Payet and Lanzini into the fray. The Hammers huffed and puffed but couldn't find a breakthrough. Simone Zaza came close on a couple of occasions but is yet to open his account and many fans are getting twitchy. At least the 'Maiga in disguise' taunts haven't started just yet! In fairness, he looks hungry for opportunities and the goals will surely come.Things looked to be going all wrong yet again when Arthur Masuaku went off leaving the fulled substituted Hammers with only ten men as the game entered injury time. Cue Mr Payet to put an end to the misery with a trademark audacious free kick. Game over. It's hard to take too much from the game other than that we are short on confidence right now. Still - it's a win and a much needed clean sheet. Bring on Southampton and let the recovery continue.A final thought for Accrington Stanley - a great club with a great history and an inspiring story of determination to survive that rests in our football consciousness. You should be proud of your performance last night. hopefully some day you will return to the very top flight and grace the Premiership.COYI!!!